Tips on How to Effectively Pour Concrete in Cold Weather

Pouring concrete in the cold weather should be done skillfully; otherwise, it can have detrimental effects on the process of curing. Cold weather, in this case, does not mean winter alone. It can be any time of the year when the temperatures are low for more than two or three days consecutively. It is paramount to understand why concrete pouring becomes difficult in such temperatures.

Concrete and cold weather

Mixed concrete transforms from the hydrated form to a solid through a chemical reaction that requires heat to proceed. It is paramount that the chemical reaction proceeds fast after the concrete is poured so that it can harden and be able to resist the effects of cold temperatures. If the weather is too cold, the chemical reaction will slow down, and concrete will be unable to harden quickly. This can lead to structural instability and cracking.

To maintain the structural integrity and durability of concrete, the following measures should be taken when pouring it in cold weather.

Thaw the ground

You should never pour concrete on frozen surfaces, or surfaces covered with snow or ice. The reason for this is that when the frozen surface begins to thaw, it will crack the concrete. You may even end up with a concrete surface that's hard on top but still in liquid form at the bottom.

To avoid these problems, thaw the ground before pouring concrete. You can use concrete curing blankets or hydronic heat pipes. Also, get rid of any snow, ice, or water on the surface before pouring the concrete as they can cause problems down the road.

Keep the concrete warm

Keeping the concrete warm in both dry and hydrated forms can also help when it comes to pouring it. Store the dry concrete in a warm place, and observe these measures when mixing it with cement and the aggregates.

•    Use hot or warm water. Ensure that the water used in mixing different batches maintains a consistent temperature.

•    Cover the hydrated concrete with a curing blanket to allow it hold on to heat as it cures.

•    Use a chemical accelerator to speed up the chemical reaction.

Mixing the concrete on-site is preferable as it can be poured immediately when still warm.

Cover concrete after pouring

It is important to protect the top surface of concrete from freezing once it has been poured. This can be done using insulating blankets. For a home project, you can even use hay and cover it all with a tarp to prevent it from being blown away by the wind. Leave the insulation for a few days and the concrete will be perfectly dry and stable.

Cold temperatures should not limit you from undertaking your concrete projects. With these few tips, you can install beautiful and durable concrete structures even in cold weather.